Considering that up until about 85 years ago, cannabis oil was used around the world to treat a variety of diseases, including cancer, it is not surprising that the phasing out of cannabis to treat illness coincided with the rise of pharmaceutical companies.

Rick Simpson, a medical marijuana activist, is on a crusade to help others heal. He regards cannabis as the most medicinally active plant on the face of the earth, and shared this apparent miracle with others — completely free of charge. He now has thousands of testimonials from those who were healed from ‘incurable’ disease to back up his claims ~ that cannabis annihilates cancer.

For the naysayers out there who are still not convinced about the effectiveness of cannabis for curing cancer, the astounding healing attributes of the plant are well documented by a wealth of peer-reviewed studies.

Traditional medicinal plant backed by modern medicine

Breast cancer

A study in Molecular Cancer Therapeutics explored the relationship between the use of cannabidiol (CBD) and the subsequent down regulation of breast cancer tumor aggressiveness. The researchers concluded that CBD represents the first nontoxic agent to decrease the aggressiveness of metastic breast cancer cells in vivo.

Cannabis was shown to induce cytotoxicity in leukemia cell lines, according the the journalBlood:

“We have shown that THC is a potent inducer of apoptosis, even at 1 x IC(50) (inhibitory concentration 50%) concentrations and as early as 6 hours after exposure to the drug. These effects were seen in leukemic cell lines (CEM, HEL-92, and HL60) as well as in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.”

It also did not appear that the cannabis was simply aiding other chemo drugs — it was independently bringing about results with the active compound THC responsible for cancer cell death in vitro.

Likewise, a study in the Molecular Pharmacology Journal found that non psychoactive cannabidiol dramatically induced apoptosis (cell death) in leukemia cells. “Together, the results from this study reveal that cannabidiol, acting through CB2 and regulation of Nox4 and p22(phox) expression, may be a novel and highly selective treatment for leukemia.”

Research published in the paper Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acidsfound that cannabinoid compounds play a vital role in modulating the immune system to improve the outcome of a cancer diagnosis. In short, the team believes “[t]he experimental evidence reviewed in this article argues in favor of the therapeutic potential of these compounds in immune disorders and cancer.”

Moreover, the study Cannabinoids and the immune system confirms that cannabimimetic agents have substantial effects on natural killer cells, thereby providing therapeutic usefulness in reducing tumor growth and the induction of apoptosis. Therefore, cannabis demonstrates a “subtle but significant role in the regulation of immunity and that this role can eventually be exploited in the management of human disease.”

Cervical cancer

Uterine cervical cancer cells are significantly influenced by cannabis as well. Published in Gynecologic Oncology, the research team discovered that the compound induced apoptosis in cervical carcinoma (CxCa) cell lines.

Melanoma

The most deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma has relatively few options of treatment beyond prevention and early detection. With this in mind, the findings of the study Cannabinoid receptors as novel targets for the treatment of melanoma are of particular note. In animal tests, cannabinoids encouraged cancer cell death, while decreasing growth, proliferation and metastasis of melanoma cells.

“Local administration of [cannabinoids] induced a considerable growth inhibition of malignant tumors generated by inoculation of epidermal tumor cells into nude mice. Cannabinoid-treated tumors showed an increased number of apoptotic cells. This was accompanied by impairment of tumor vascularization, as determined by altered blood vessel morphology and decreased expression of proangiogenic factors (VEGF, placental growth factor, and angiopoietin 2). … These results support a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of skin tumors.”

These are just a few examples — among hundreds — that demonstrate the effectiveness of cannabis in eradicating cancer without adverse side-effects. Additionally, the following documentary explores the history and modern uses of cannabis to heal serious diseases such as cancer, AIDS, Crohn’s disease & more:

Medical Cannabis and Its Impact on Human Health: a Cannabis Documentary

Scientific Studies from the National Institute of Health

If you’re still in doubt regarding the effectiveness of cannabis for healing cancer, have a look at these 100+ scientific studies from the National Institute of Health:

If the booming marijuana industry means anything to the majority of people, it means opportunity. We’re talking about opportunities for all-around wellness and progress – and of course the economic advantages are beyond exciting.

In Colorado alone, more than 16,000 jobs have been created within the cannabis industry. And, as the Marijuana Policy Project points out, this number does not include the boost seen in collateral sectors such as real estate, law, accounting, and tourism.

A lot of marijuana jobs include what you might expect, like budtenders, trimmers, and growers. But within that same industry there are other high-skill positions which few of us saw coming.

1. State Compliance Officers

Who would’ve ever thought that the government would be hiring people to actually tend to a sanctioned marijuana industry? It’s pretty unbelievable – and yet, here we are.

States need actual cannabis regulators to ensure that those working in the industry are playing by the rules, and staying compliant with the guidelines approved by voters. Previously, the only government job similar to this was probably with the DEA, conducting costly and invasive raids.

For states like Oregon, which is in the process of implementing its legalization laws and opening up the industry, opportunities abound to get in on the ground floor.

The need for compliance officers will continue to grow as new states join the legitimate cannabis space. This will translate to some solid, well-paying positions for professionals who are willing to work in and around the industry.

2. Venture Capitalists

Every industry has its bankrollers – but in an industry that is literally budding, such as the cannabis industry, money and investors are as important as anyone.

In fact, the opening up of the marijuana markets, state by state, is providing what is likely a once-in-a-generation opportunity for investors who are willing to put their money to work. It’s all at their own risk, of course, seeing as how cannabis is still federally outlawed.

But investors are starting to see that there is a potential windfall, a chance for explosive returns on the other end of the legalization movement. With the federal government staying out of the way, for now, venture capital firms and private investors are beginning to put their money into play. There are evenconferences and other events aimed at attracting capital to the industry.

Not only do these investors have an opportunity to make a lot of money, they also play a big role in guiding the future of the cannabis business. As inventors and entrepreneurs pitch new devices, products, and business models, the ones who receive funding will have the best chance of surviving – and shaping the industry as it evolves.

Big money makes a lot of people wary, but if the cannabis industry wants to truly grow up then attracting capital is going to be a part of the process.

3. Professors

There’s no doubt about it: the world needs cannabis professors as it adopts “higher” education.

If you, like almost everyone else, thought that the only way marijuana and education could possibly mix are during post-midterm burn sessions, or at any number of college parties – guess again.

Some higher education institutions are starting to see that legalization looks like an inevitability. In turn, they are are now offering students a chance to learn the skills to build a successful career within the new industry.

For example, Colorado’s industry is funding a new professorship at the University of Denver, specializing in marijuana law. It’s exciting to see the industry investing in its future like this. They are influencing the next batch of marijuana professionals who will, one day, take over the reins. And there are other examples out there as well.

A community college in Maryland is offering a class called “Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Emerging Markets: Marijuana Legalization,” which aims to teach students the economics and business opportunities within the industry.

And, of course, you can’t forget about other, more specialized institutions likeOaksterdam University, which offer cannabis-specific courses in everything from business to cooking to science to law and horticulture.

4. The Marijuana Media

The marijuana industry is seeing a cascade of cannabis-centric media organizations grow up right alongside it, cataloging and documenting every phase of the legalization movement.

While there have been some organizations and media companies out there for years, such as High Times, marijuana is working its way into the mainstream media.

If you had suggested a decade ago that a major newspaper, like the Denver Post, would one day have a ‘Marijuana Editor’, you would’ve likely been laughed out of the room. Yet, that position exists, and many others like it.

These are jobs being staffed by professional journalists, who are finding their way into the industry to satisfy the growing demand for cannabis coverage. Marijuana is still brand-new to a lot of people, and there is a real hunger for credible information.

5. Scientists

If there is one industry that is primed to make some big bucks from cannabis legalization, it’s probably the biotech field.

We know, and the government has finally admitted, that cannabis has some incredible medical potential, and by harnessing and commercializing that potential, there are billions to be made (not to mention the number of lives that will be transformed in the name of wellness). But it’ll take some real, highly-trained, and decorated scientists to get us there.

There are many roles for science professionals in the cannabis industry, and they will become more and more ubiquitous as biotech and pharma companies climb on board. There is and will be a need for botanists, chemists, geneticists, etc. – all needed to create and cultivate new cannabis strains, derivatives, and medicines.

Scientists are generally fascinated by the properties and overall potential of this plant. As marijuana continues to gain legitimacy in the eyes of the public, the U.S. government will hopefully continue to loosen regulations that currently inhibit researchers from learning everything they can about this medicinal herb.

6. Marijuana Marketing

The fact that in certain parts of the country a person can walk into a store and purchase legal bud is pretty amazing. What’s even more amazing – even unbelievable at certain levels – is that there are people out there whose job it is to market that cannabis product and drive customers in the door.

Yes, just like any other retail business, the cannabis industry needs marketing professionals, and it’s an area where many people looking for a career-switch can make an entrance.

There’s a lot of work to do, too. Marijuana has been a taboo subject for so many years, that the entire concept of legalization is hard for some people to digest. PR and marketing professionals are currently working to make that transition easier. They’re also putting together political and advertising campaigns, networks, and even entire firms dedicated to the cannabis industry.

Imagine thinking as a kid that you could one day be the Don Draper of pot? It’s quite remarkable how far we’ve come.

Attracting high-caliber professionals

And that’s the gist of it all: nobody saw it coming. And that goes to prove that there are tons of opportunities for everyone to get involved in the cannabis industry – and that there are a wide array of potential jobs, not just helping people pick out the right sativa.

As marijuana legalization continues to unfold and the industry continues to grow, it will attract greater numbers of high-caliber professionals and creative talent, healthy competition, and plenty of opportunity.

Want to learn more about the ins and outs of the cannabis industry? Be sure to check out The Cannabis Manifesto by Steve DeAngelo, which hits bookshelves September 22.

If you’re interested in cannabis but don’t know much about Steve, check out this amazing mini-documentary today.

This study will involve treating low back pain associated with nerve injury with oral delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) or whole plant cannabis for eight weeks. Research subjects will consume either oral Δ9-THC (dronabinol), vaporized 3.5% Δ9-THC, or placebo. The major objective of the present study is to demonstrate an analgesic response to oral and/or inhaled cannabis in patients with neuropathic low back pain.

The primary outcome will be a pain intensity numerical rating scale bordered by 0=no pain and 10=worst possible pain. As a major goal in the development of cannabinoid-based medications is the separation of pain relief from side-effects, numerous other assessments will also be performed. Neuropsychological testing with the Digit Symbol Modalities Test (attention), the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (learning and memory) and the Grooved Pegboard Test (psychomotor performance) will be performed. In addition, driving simulation will be completed to assess the effect of study medications on this important component of everyday life. Subjective effects will be evaluated with the Marijuana subscale (M-scale) from the Addiction Research Center Inventory to evaluate cannabis intoxication. In addition, questions that include measures of ‘high’ or ‘liking’ will be analyzed.

The degree of pain relief will then be compared with the adverse consequences of cannabis to assess the risk-benefit ratio of dronabinol and 3.5% Δ9-THC.

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